Elizabeth Rose Woolnough

Elizabeth travelled to South Africa to volunteer on the Phelophepa Train of Hope delivering eye care to rural impoverished areas.

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The train covers the whole of South Africa stopping for a week at a time delivering a range of vital health care specialties to rural impoverished areas. Under the supervision of a qualified optometrist, I tested around 15 patients a day including children, people with learning difficulties and patients with very advanced eye disease.

The clinical experience was something I would never have been able to experience in the UK. It greatly improved my skills and my new found confidence has been commented on at work.

It felt wonderful to be able to help so many people in need. I also realised I have a passion for working with children – this is something I plan to specialise in upon qualification. I may not have realised this until much further into my career if it were not for my trip.